CVS anti-tobacco move should be first of continuing efforts

To the Editor:
Recently, CVS Caremark Corp. solidified its standing as a health care business devoted to the well-being of its customers above all else by ending the sale of tobacco products in its stores (“CVS to end sale of tobacco products in stores by Oct. 1,” Feb. 5, 2014). More

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OP-ED / LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

CVS anti-tobacco move should be first of continuing efforts

Posted:
Saturday, March 1, 2014 12:05 am

To the Editor:

Recently, CVS Caremark Corp. solidified its standing as a health care business devoted to the well-being of its customers above all else by ending the sale of tobacco products in its stores (“CVS to end sale of tobacco products in stores by Oct. 1,” Feb. 5, 2014).

Despite tremendous progress over the last 50 years that has cut adult smoking rates in half, more than 42 million American adults and more than 3.5 million middle and high school students continue to smoke. Cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of cancer death in the U.S.

Beyond the health benefits of this decision, fighting cancer is smart business.

Proven deadly effects of tobacco use continue to diminish the consumption of these products. Conversely, products and services that improve and sustain health are in demand, including from the more than 80 percent of Americans who do not smoke and the 22 million who each year try to quit.

The American Cancer Society and its 3 million volunteers thank CVS CEO Larry J. Merlo, and we encourage all business leaders to take action and work with the American Cancer Society to limit access to tobacco products in the workplace, create smoke-free workplaces, help employees stop smoking; and join CEOs Against Cancer to make a positive impact on your business and community.

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